TRACE

Rick van der Linden's departure from his original band he co-found in 1968, Ekseption, to form Trace seemed really worth it as in here with his new band he could explore his musical talents widely as he feels that this is his band supported by other musicians Jaap Van Eik (bass, guitar) , Pierre Van Der Linden (drums). The band was originally named as ACE but since there was British band with the same name they changed the name to Trace.

Well yeah, this album is much more dynamic - at least on keyboard side - where Rick really plays his keyboard the way he really wants it. For me personally it's really great because I can sense the nuances of ELP music with much more classical music touch presented by Rick van Der Linden. Take for example the excellent opening track "Galliarde" which is basically from 3rd Part of the Italian Concerto BWV 971 in F Major by J.S. Bach and traditional Polish dance, arranged by Rick van der Linden. If you follow the music right from start to end it's a very dynamic one where you can hear dynamic and inventive keyboard work by Rick van Der Linden backed with jaw-dropping drums work with great energy. And it's not only that....you can hear the powerful bassline which also followed with bass guitar solo - remembering to the composition of 'Improvisation' from Ekseption 'Trinity' album. I really admire this sort of music as this refers to the classical music but performed in jazz-rock style by Trace.

Overall, the composition is really well rounded with its main roots on classical music and then expanded into jazz-rock fashion that finally forms Trace music. The melody flows nicely from track to track, stemming from the original classical music - but the changes of tempo and style do not cause the music being off-tracked as it all form as one cohesive whole. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW